Marine Cargo & Goods in Transit Insurance

1.      What is Marine Cargo and Goods in Transit Insurance? 

This is a contract by which the insurer undertakes to indemnify the insured (importer), in the manner and extent agreed under the contract, against losses to the marine adventure

 2.      What Does Marine Cargo and Goods in Transit Insurance Cover?

 Marine cargo insurance typically covers losses or damages to goods during transit by sea, air, or land. Coverage may include natural disasters, piracy, theft, and more.

 3.      At what point is an importer required to acquire Marine Cargo and Goods in Transit Insurance? 

The importer is required to purchase or acquire marine cargo and goods in transit insurance when the goods or cargo are still at the port or country of origin.

 4.      Is an importer allowed to acquire or purchase Marine Cargo or Good in Transit Insurance from any where in the world? Because of the localisation of marine insurance in Uganda, an importer is only allowed to acquire or purchase marine cargo and goods in transit insurance from a local insurance company based in Uganda and regulated by the Insurance regulatory Authority of Uganda

 5.      Why should one purchase or acquire an insurance policy from a local Insurance company in Uganda and not anywhere in the world? 

Purchasing an insurance policy from a local insurance company in Uganda benefits importers in the following ways:

  • Easy processing of claims in case of a loss
  • Wider scope of cover for your cargo
  • Coverage from the port of origin to importers’ destination in Uganda
  • Marine Cargo insurance easily accessed through the marine public portal on the UIA website-www.uia.co.ug.
  • Access to insurance regulatory Authority in case of insurance related complaints https://ira.go.ug/make-a-complaint.

 6.      What happens when one does not acquire or purchase Marine Cargo and Goods in Transit Insurance for his goods or cargo?

  • An importer will face difficulties in clearing his cargo at ports or borders since its a prerequisite for clearing of cargo by Uganda Revenue Authority.  
  • An importer will expose him or her self to losses in case an insurable incident like theft or damage of cargo happens during transportation.
  • You will also be subjected to a penalty for failure to comply or acquire marine cargo and goods in transit locally.    

 7.      At what point does Marine Cargo and Goods in Transit cover start and end? 

This cover starts from the port of origin (country of importation) to the importers’ warehouse in Uganda

 8.      How can one acquire Marine Cargo and Goods in Transit Insurance:

Option 1: Use a self-service local marine insurance portal through the UIA website indicated below and follow the prompts; https://marine.uia.co.ug/marine-prod/ui/#/products.

 This portal is open to the public and can be accessed at any time.

Step by step process

Step 1: Go to https://marine.uia.co.ug/marine-prod/ui/#/products.

Step 2: Select product “Marine Cargo and Goods in Transit”

Step 3: Input importers details to obtain the Marine insurance Quote

Step 4: Confirm details of auto generated quote and Click Proceed if okay with quote OR Click Reset to input correct details again.

Step 5: Input additional importers details as required (Client proposal form)

Step 7: Input details of property to be covered and attach the Commercial invoice, Bill of lading and Packing list(s).

Step 8: Input details of means of transport including port of origin and destination among others

Step 9: An autogenerated insurance cover proposition will be displayed, confirm accuracy and method of payment, then click submit.

Step 10: A summary of all details filled in will be displayed for you to confirm if all filled is correct. If correct, proceed and submit, if an error is noted, click back and have it rectified.

Step 11: On submission, you will receive a payment Reference number e.g.; MCIXXXXXX (MCI standing for Marine Cargo Insurance, followed by six number digits e.g. MCI123456) which you will use while making payment. The same reference number will be included on the Marine Certificate to present to URA while clearing goods.

Step 12: Once payment is completed, the marine certificate will automatically be sent to the importers registered email address.

Step 13: Present the Certificate to the customs Official for clearance of goods

Option 2: Approach your preferred licensed insurer or Intermediatory (licensed Insurance Broker, licensed Insurance Agent, bancassurance Agent) who will take the importer through the application process.

9.      What are the key documents or requirements needed for one to acquire marine cargo and goods in transit insurance:

  • Tax identification number (TIN)
  • The commercial invoice from the supplier
  • Your email address
  • Telephone contacts  

10.    How can one pay for marine cargo and goods in transit:

The following are the payment platforms and procedures:

a) Airtel Money

1. Dial *185#

2. Select Option 7 Financial services

3. Select Option 6 Insurance

4. Select Option 6 Marine Insurance

5. Select Option 1 Pay Marine Insurance

6. Enter the payment reference Number i.e. MCi200xxxxx

7. Confirm details of payment and select yes to proceed

8. Enter a PIN to confirm payment

B) Centenary Bank using Sasula payments.

1. Visit to any centenary Bank Branch or Agency

2. Present the payment reference number i.e. MCi200xxxx

3. You will receive a receipt after payment.

4. A policy document and policy schedule will be sent on email

Please note: Charges Apply